PLEASANT LAKE, Ind. — Nickel Plate Road No. 765 was under steam July 13-15 as the centerpiece of the first Indiana Railcamp in Pleasant Lake. Organized by the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society under the Indiana Rail Experience banner, this pilot program hosted 20 campers — ranging between ages 13 and 17 — from the general area and as far as West Virginia, according to Kelly Lynch, vice president of the Fort Wayne organization which owns the locomotive.
“All of them said that riding in the cab throughout the day was ‘the best part of the camp,’” he said. “With any luck, the time machine is inspiring these younger fans to further their interests, whether they be as professional railroaders or preservationists.”
In addition to the activities surrounding the 1944-built 2-8-4, presentations and seminars were conducted in relation to railroad safety and model railroading. According to Lynch, Norfolk Southern sponsored a safety presentation and Wm. K. Walthers, Inc., donated HO-scale freight cars to the campers. Additional contributions were made by CSX Transportation, CPKC, TTX, Model Railroader Magazine, Broadway Limited Imports, Scale Trains, and local organizations, he said.
“This really affirms for me that organizations like ours are the perfect conduit for younger audiences and ideal stewards to make the industry more relevant than ever,” Lynch explains. “It means that the partnerships between railroads, our sponsors, and our organization can really flourish in the future in terms of educational programming.”
No. 765 concluded the successful three days with the July 15 Wine & Whiskey Train out of Angola, Ind. As a repeat of the 2022 season, the excursion operated south to Hamilton, Ind. during the evening with a photo runby included for passengers. Attention now turns to the July 29-30 Railroad Open House at the Indiana Northeastern’s shops in Hudson, Ind.
“We’re really eager to shine a limelight on the Indiana Northeastern for being this humble, shortline workhorse in the region over the last 31 years,” said Lynch. “Each group involved has an incredible story of tenacity and perseverance that allows us to educate and entertain a few thousand folks all at once.”
In addition to No. 765 operating 1.5-hour excursions to South Milford, Ind. (sold out), three steam locomotives will also be in attendance. Little River Railroad’s Nos. 110 and 1 will operate 1.5-hour excursions to Hamilton (sold out), and 30-minute caboose rides to Steubenville, Ind., respectively. Jeddo Coal Co. No. 85 from the Gramling Locomotive Works will be used for 30-minute throttle times at the Hudson facility (sold out). Lynch states the FWRHS is fortunate that the railroad is not only home to the Little River Railroad, but the Gramling’s shop is located a stone’s throw away in nearby Ashley. Food vendors, live entertainment, guided tours and equipment displays, including the Norfolk & Western Railroad business car Roanoke, will be offered as part of the free admission to the general public.
Visit the Indiana Rail Experience website for more information and to purchase tickets.
— Updated July 19, at 8:30 a.m. CDT with confirmation of Jeddo Coal Co. No. 85’s appearance at the Railroad Open House.
When not operating excursions, the 79 year old, rebuilt twice, Nickel Plate Road No. 765 is maintained in a restoration shop in New Haven by a crew of 70–100 volunteers throughout the year. The shop is open to the public and houses a variety of other railroad equipment, including vintage steam and diesel locomotives, passenger cars, cabooses and more.
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